Automated machine tool

Abstract

An automated machine tool is provided having an adjusting apparatus for changing the cutting radius of a cutting tool by changing the tool's position on a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cutting tool. A constant cutter feed rate is maintained by adjusting the rotation rate of the cutting tool in proportion to the distance of the cutting tool from the centerline of rotation.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. A machine tool, comprising: (a) A frame;   (b) A work table means generally supported on the frame and movable latitudinally and longitudinally in a horizontal plane for supporting a workpiece to be machined;   (c) A drive head means movably mounted on the frame generally above the worktable for vertical movement and for rotating a rotatable spindle that supports a cutting tool; and   (d) A programmable control means for controlling an isosceles linkage adjusting means connected to the rotatable spindle for moving the cutting tool along an axis perpendicular to the rotatable spindle's axis of rotation and changing the rotation rate of the rotatable spindle in response to the radial distance of the cutting tool from the axis of rotation.   
     
     
       2. A machine tool as recited in claim 1 wherein the isosceles linkage adjusting means is generally comprised of: a motor means for rotating a precision screw means for changing the vertical position of a nut assembly mounted on the precision screw means; and   an isosceles linkage mechanism attached to the nut assembly having two support legs of equal length pivotally connected at one end to the nut assembly and having a movable cutting tool connected to the opposite end of one support leg whereby a vertical change in the vertex position of the isosceles linkage mechanism causes the cutting tool to change position along a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable spindle.   
     
     
       3. A machine tool as recited in claim 2 wherein a movable cutting tool is connected to the opposite end of each support leg of the isosceles linkage mechanism whereby a vertical change in the vertex position of the isosceles linkage mechanism causes the cutting tools to change position along a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation to the rotatable spindle. 
     
     
       4. A machine tool as recited in claim 3 wherein the functions of the worktable means, the drive head means, and adjusting means are controlled by a programmable control means for automatically machining the workpiece. 
     
     
       5. A machine head for use on an automated machining station comprising: a. a support frame disposed to be mounted on an automated machining station;   b. a drive head means movably mounted on the support frame for vertical movement thereon and for rotating a rotatable spindle that supports a cutting tool; and   c. a programmable control means for controlling an isosceles linkage adjusting means connected to the rotatable spindle for moving the cutting tool along an axis perpendicular to the rotatable spindle's axis of rotation and changing the rotation rate in response to the radial distance of the cutting tool from the axis of rotation.   
     
     
       6. A machine head as recited in claim 5 wherein the isosceles linkage adjusting means is generally comprised of: a motor means for rotating a precision screw means for changing the vertical position of a nut assembly mounted on the precision screw means; and   an isosceles linkage mechanism attached to the nut assembly having two support legs of equal length pivotally connected at one end to the nut assembly and having a movable cutting tool connected to the opposite end of one support leg whereby a vertical change in the vertex position of the isosceles linkage mechanism causes the cutting tool to change position along a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable spindle.   
     
     
       7. A machine head as recited in claim 6 wherein a movable cutting tool is connected to each support leg of the isosceles linkage mechanism whereby a vertical change in the vertex position of the isosceles linkage mechanism causes the cutting tools to change position along a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation to the rotatable spindle. 
     
     
       8. A machine head as recited in claim 7 wherein the functions of the drive head means and adjusting means are controlled by a programmable control means for automatically machining the workpiece.